Which statement describes malolactic fermentation?

Which statement describes malolactic fermentation?

• A. Converts malic acid to lactic acid, softening acidity and adding creamy notes.
• B. Converts sugars to alcohol and CO2.
• C. Increases alcohol production.
• D. Decreases carbonation.

Answer: (A)

Malolactic fermentation is the process by which malic acid is converted into lactic acid by lactic acid bacteria. This lowers the perceived sharpness of the wine’s acidity, giving it a softer, rounder mouthfeel, and it can also add creamy or buttery notes through diacetyl production. Because of that, the statement that malic acid is converted to lactic acid, softening acidity and adding creamy notes, is the best description. This happens after the primary fermentation that drives alcohol production, and it doesn’t increase alcohol or primarily affect carbonation.

Malolactic fermentation is the process by which malic acid is converted into lactic acid by lactic acid bacteria. This lowers the perceived sharpness of the wine’s acidity, giving it a softer, rounder mouthfeel, and it can also add creamy or buttery notes through diacetyl production. Because of that, the statement that malic acid is converted to lactic acid, softening acidity and adding creamy notes, is the best description. This happens after the primary fermentation that drives alcohol production, and it doesn’t increase alcohol or primarily affect carbonation.